Myofunctional Therapy 101: How Simple Exercises Can Improve Your Sleep Apnea

When it comes to sleep apnea, most people know about using oral appliances or wearing a CPAP mask to address the issue. But what if you could get better quality rest with myofunctional therapy? Keep reading to learn how simple orofacial exercises can help improve sleep apnea disorder.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

This kind of physical therapy is designed to help train a patient’s muscles in and around the mouth and face so that they move properly and rest in the right positions. In most cases, a professional will teach you certain exercises to do with your tongue, cheeks, or lips that will help strengthen the muscles that impact your ability to breathe, chew, speak, and/or swallow. Not only is this orofacial therapy safe and non-invasive, but it can even help address a wide range of oral health issues, including sleep-related disorders.

How Does Myofunctional Therapy Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition involving a person’s interrupted breathing during rest due to a blockage in the airway. Other than your jaw’s position, the soft tissues in your neck and head can end up putting pressure on your windpipe. By undergoing myofunctional therapy, you can improve the movement and resting positions of your tongue, lips, cheek, and other orofacial components that contribute to sleep apnea. Over time, your head and mouth muscles can be strong enough to allow you to breathe properly throughout the night.

What Can I Expect from Myofunctional Therapy Exercises?

Myofunctional therapy can include a wide variety of straightforward exercises, such as singing, moving your tongue in certain positions, holding tiny objects between your lips, or practicing specific breathing techniques. The timeline of your treatment will depend on your unique situation, but it can go for 6 to 12 months on average.

Even so, you’ll want to consult your sleep apnea doctor so that they can discuss your treatment plan in detail. With their help, you can be one step closer to having better sleep in the long run!

About the Practice

At Sleep Better Southwest, our team is dedicated to helping Northern Arizona patients find lasting relief from sleep apnea. Led by Dr. Jonathan Held, we offer innovative, non-surgical solutions — including myofunctional therapy exercises — designed to strengthen the oral and facial muscles that contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. Our team is passionate about improving the quality and safety of your sleep, and if you’re ready to wake up feeling rested, we’d love to help. Visit our website or call (928) 404-0332 today to schedule your appointment.